Ferdowsi, Naserkhosrow, and Ismailis

Shahnameh scholars have earlier often referred to Ferdowsi’s shiism of being of the zaydi, twelvers, and Ismaili type. The writer of this essay sees the latter opinion closer to the truth since There have been close associations between Ismailis and the compatriot Persian Dehqans and Sunni followers have constantly accused Ferdowsi for having ancient Persian beliefs. Ferdowsi like Naserkhosrow and the Ismailis finds helpful accompaniment of Immanence and revelation in knowing God. In a verse in Shahnameh’s preface God is known as ”The designer of the best gem “ And based on Ferdowsi’s words one can assume ”the best gem”(in contrast to attribute) is the essence of reason and Universal Soul which is the source of all creation. Ferdowsi like Naserkhosrow based on the Ismailis doctrine, summon people to inspect the word of God so that one can comprehend the true essence of God’s words as a great reward. Description of the process of creation in the preface is closer to the beliefs of Naserkhosrow and Ismailis. Both poets speak of God of revelation (Tanzil or Nateq) that the God of interpretation or (executor, Vasi) should disclose the secret of His words. They both in praise of prophet’s family use the term Ahl-al bayt and unlike many Sunni historians and geographers who mention Imam Reza once speak of city of Tus, there are no references made to Imam Reza who was buried near them or else the conclusion would have been to regard Ferdowsi as a twelver.